If you’re a fan of sausages, you’ll want to take note of one butcher’s top tip.
Frying sausages is a popular cooking method, but butcher Jorge Thomas insists this isn’t the optimal way to enhance the flavour of the meat.
Beyond creating a greasy mess in the pan, there’s also the danger of burning the sausages.
Jorge, from Swaledale Butchers, revealed the “best way to cook a Cumberland sausage” involves gently baking it in the oven at a moderate temperature.
He argued that cooking sausages this way “ensures a juicy, flavourful bite with a perfect balance of caramelisation and tenderness”.
This method also ensures the banger cooks uniformly without bursting open, reports the Express.
He added: “Oven-baking is the best option for a slow, even cook with minimal effort, keeping the sausage juicy inside while crisping up the casing.”
For “best results”, always let sausages come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking and allow them to rest for several minutes after cooking to “lock in the juices”.
To cook them in the oven, heat the appliance to 200C/180C Fan/Gas Mark 6 before lightly rubbing a touch of olive oil over the sausages to boost browning.
A gentle drizzle of olive oil can help avoid sticking, but don’t overdo it – Cumberland sausages are naturally fatty and will release their own oils whilst cooking.
Place the sausages on a non-stick or lined baking tray, making sure they’re adequately spaced before placing them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Rotate them periodically until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Once the cooking time is over, ensure that the sausage is thoroughly cooked.
The most dependable method to verify if your sausages are ready is by using a meat thermometer.
The internal temperature should reach 75C. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the sausage – there should be no pinkness and the juices should run clear.
Afterwards, allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes before slicing into them. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.